Sam-A Gaiyanghadao credits wife for saving his comeback: ‘She gave me so much encouragement’

Two years ago, online critics wrote off Sam-A Gaiyanghadao. Now the Thai legend is one win from World Title gold.

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao challenges Aliff Sor Dechapan for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24, streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

At 42, the former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion insists age has sharpened rather than dulled his fighting style. More than three decades and 400 professional bouts into his career, he says the calmer version of himself only found this level of aggression recently.

“I think my fighting style has changed in my forties. I have become more aggressive and stronger,” he said.

“It feels as though I am no longer afraid of my opponent’s strikes. If I get hit, I get hit. If we have to trade, then we trade. That is simply how I fight now.”

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao found calm amid criticism

Sam-A Gaiyanghadao has weathered two years of online criticism about his age. Commenters have suggested his best days are behind him and predicted younger opponents would knock him out, with the noise intensifying after a knockout loss to reigning champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK left him questioning his future.

His wife, Tangmo, urged him to rest and trust his body, giving him the space to recover before committing to another title run.

“After that loss, a small thought crossed my mind. Maybe my body just couldn’t take it anymore. I talked to my wife about it, but she gave me so much encouragement.”

Since returning, Sam-A has answered every doubter with wins over Zhang Peimian, Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi, and Elmehdi El Jamari.

“By now, I have proven that age does not affect my ability to fight. Fight after fight, I have shown everyone that I can still compete in ONE Championship, continue moving forward, and challenge for a World Title.”